One of the most common problems experienced by mountain bike owners is the shifters suddenly ceasing to work. There is a wide variety of reasons why this problem could occur, and fortunately they are almost all relatively easy to fix. However, if you are not skilled with bike repair, it’s better to let a bike repair shop in Boca Raton, FL handle the fixes so you do not end up causing any unnecessary damage.

Here are a few of the most common causes of gears not working on a mountain bike:

Damage to the derailleur: Shifters on a mountain bike control a set of cables that in turn control derailleurs on the front and back of the bike. One of the first places you should look if you are having gear problems is at these derailleurs to see if they have been damaged. Something as simple as a loose attachment or bolt could be causing you to have gear shifting problems, so tightening the attachment with an Allen wrench could be all you need to do.

Damage to the cables: After checking the derailleur, check the cables themselves that control them. The cables run through a housing, which you will want to check to ensure it has not been broken or cut through. The cables might also have gotten crimped. If the cables get bound at all, they will not adjust the derailleurs.

Damage to the shifters: Believe it or not, the shifter usually isn’t the cause of gear problems, which means it’s the last place you should look. The shifter on a mountain bike includes a lever. If there is a problem with the shifter, it is most likely inside the unit housing the shifter. You can loosen the adjuster and remove the bolts to look and see if there are any broken components on the interior of the device. If you do not see any damage, the problem could be as simple as needing more lubricant, so you can spray it to get it operating smoothly once again.

These issues can also be prevented by simply engaging in some routine maintenance. Keep all of the elements of your bike well oiled and address any mechanical issues as soon as they arise. It also helps to keep your bike clean. Washing it with a damp rag every now and then not only keeps the bike looking great, but can also help to keep dust and debris from getting into the gears or other parts of the bike and jamming up the works.

If you run into a situation in which you are not sure how to make the necessary repairs to your bike by yourself, feel free to reach out to a bike repair shop in Boca Raton, FL. It’s always better to have an expert take a look than to risk creating further damage and potentially rendering your bike unusable. Contact the team at Bicycle Doctor, Inc. – House Calls today for more information about how we can repair your bike quickly, conveniently and affordably.